Medical assistants play a significant role in the medical field as non-physician providers. They need to possess strong clinical and administrative skills and the know-how and credentials to prove their expertise in different specialities. This article will provide information on all there is to know about speciality certifications for medical assistants and what it takes to seek one out and earn it. We took help from the MedAssistantEdu team in creating this article, and we think that if you are trying to become an RMA, this article would be helpful.
There are two main types of certifications available to medical assistants: those offered by national organizations (i.e., American Association of Medical Assistants – AAMA) and those provided by local/state associations (i.e., Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants (MSMA)). The former is preferred if your goal is to work across the country as a medical assistant. Some of the certifications available through national organizations include those listed below:
Paediatrics certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)- One of the first steps to becoming a full-fledged pediatric medical assistant is obtaining pediatric certification from AAMA. To qualify, you need to have at least 1,000 hours of documented patient care experience in paediatrics and must pass an exam given by AAMA. The certification itself lasts for three years, and it is a requirement for those who wish to pursue master’s degree programs in health professional fields such as nursing.
Phlebotomy technician credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)- The next achievement that can be obtained by becoming a phlebotomy technician is obtaining the national certification from the AAMA through passing their exams. The credential is valid for three years and those holding this certification are eligible to take national exams that allow them to pursue careers as phlebotomists in hospitals, blood banks, clinical laboratories, etc. In addition, one also needs to have at least one year of documented phlebotomy experience.
Certified EKG technician from American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)- One should have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for certification as a medical assistant EKG technician – one must pass a written exam given by the AAMA first. In addition, the candidate needs to document one year of 100 procedures involving reading EKGs and ten processes involving administration of glucose tolerance tests. This is also valid for three years, and it is an advantage when applying for jobs as a medical assistant working in cardiology units.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant from National Healthcareer Association – The certifications available through national healthcare associations are widely recognized in the medical community and are highly valued by employers. Suppose you are thinking of eventually becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). In that case, you need first to become an AAMA-certified clinical medical assistant as the coursework required overlaps for both classes. You need to pass both written and practical exams given by NHA. However, this certification is valid only for one year since it can be used as a prerequisite for taking up other courses due to its overlapping content with other allied health programs.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician – Another option available through national associations is this phlebotomy certification program offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Afterward, an exam that tests competencies in vital signs, veins, and skin puncture techniques must be passed. This certification is available to those with documented 500 hours of practical phlebotomy experience. It lasts for three years, and it is recognized by the US Department of Health & Human Services as a standard for phlebotomists.
Certified EKG Technician – Since this certification requires one year of practical work experience under supervision, no specific prerequisites are needed before applying. However, the AHA website recommends completing cardiovascular technology or medical terminology courses before taking EKG technician training. The certification itself lasts only one year, but it allows upgrading to Registered EKG Technician or Certified Cardiac Sonographer as it is valid as a prerequisite for these programs.
Certified Ambulatory Care Nursing Assistant from National Healthcareer Association (NHA)- This certification is provided through NHA. It is recognized by the US Department of Health and Human Services as a standard for medical assistants. The accreditation itself lasts for five years, and it can be taken up as early as high school. Besides passing the required written and practical exams, one must submit proof of graduation from an accredited high school or one’s GED equivalency
Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)- NREMT offers this entry-level certification. It requires passing two exams – knowledge exam and skills test – before applying. There are no prerequisites needed, but those thinking of taking this course should have strong English and maths skills.
